Duisdale House hotel review, Sleat, Isle of Skye – Scotland on Sunday Travel

Perched above the shore of Skye’s Sound of Sleat, the Duisdale House Hotel is worth a visit for the view alone, as it looks across the sea towards Knoydart on the mainland. But there’s more to enjoy at this four-star retreat, one of three on the island, owned by locally based The Sonas Collection, where the staff go out of their way to ensure your stay is a memorable one, whatever it is is a romantic break full of fun. filled family reunion.

Tucked away from the tourist crowds in the south of the island, we discovered an airy tranquility in this stylish retreat, enhanced by its close proximity to the natural wildlife habitats that make Skye home. Would you like to see eagles, otters, deer and seals that abound in this part of the world? Then, make Duisdale your base and venture out, or simply kick back in one of the large, comfy sofas and gaze through the windows as the weather transforms the big skies, mountains and seascapes before you – glass into hand optional.

A former hunting lodge dating back to 1860, this multi-award winning boutique hotel – twice voted Scottish Hotel of the Year – is full of character with fine cuisine, comfortable rooms and relaxing public areas.

Comfort and style abound in the 22 individually decorated bedrooms – think four poster beds or feature bathrooms – in tones that reflect Skye’s natural surroundings. Our double room had a TV, tea and coffee making facilities, endless shortbread, wifi and an ensuite bathroom with Temple Spa toiletries. Choose from standard double, twin, deluxe rooms and suites with garden or sea views, or opt for privacy in the cottages and lodges on site.

The two AA Rosette restaurant, which uses local produce for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, serves delights such as West Coast scallop appetizers on a bed of sweet and sour tagliatelle with a plum salsa, entrees from 8 ounces Ribeye steak accompanied by triple cooked fries, slow fried mushrooms, balsamic glazed tomatoes with peppercorn or Talisker whiskey sauce or mushroom ravioli with tomato and olive sauce, fresh parmesan and buttered greens followed by a fruit soufflé des Daily and homemade ice cream, along with chat from the friendly staff.

The chart-lined Chart Room Bar is a relaxed place to enjoy snacks and drinks, including a wide range of local whiskeys and gins, where dogs are also welcome.

It’s worth getting out of bed

Skye is full of places to visit on your own, either on foot or by car (and if you’re arriving by yacht the hotel has its own mooring). Or book a 4×4 game viewing adventure with Skyefari (www.skyefari.com) experienced guides who will show you the remote spots from which to spot eagles, otters, deer, seals and numerous seabirds during Skye Luxury Tours (skyeluxury .co.uk) takes you to attractions from the Old Man of Storr to The Cuillins, and Toravhaig Distillery is a five minute drive (www.torabhaig.com).

Or simply stroll through the hotel’s 35 acres of gardens and then down to the shore where you can enjoy the beach to yourself save for a few sheep.

To celebrate World Otter Day on May 25th, the Sonas Hotel Collection has pledged its support to the Skye-based International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) by allowing guests to take home a stuffed otter made from recycled plastic bottles. For every toy sold, Sonas donates £2 to The Fund, one of the world’s leading otter rehabilitation charities.

Avoid the crowds and head to Duisdale, where a traditional Skye welcome and Sonas – the Gaelic word for good luck – await.

Prices June and all summer – from £341; Winter, from November – from £169 based on a standard room with breakfast based on two people sharing.

And until the end of October, The Sonas Collection is offering a 15% discount on B&B bookings made directly at its three hotels – Duisdale, Toravaig and Skeabost. A non-refundable deposit of £100 is required at the time of booking which can be transferred to an alternative date. Call 01470-373737, email [email protected] or see https://skyehotel.co.uk/sonas-semi-flex/

Duisdale House Hotel, Sleat, Isle of Skye IV43 8QW, (01471 833 202 [email protected]/skyehotel.co.uk/duisdale)